As the end of the year approaches, I have started reflecting on the last twelve months… which, at times, felt like six months because of how quickly it flew by. And other times, like 24 months, because of how much happened.
This time last year, I was telling friends and family that I was moving to Portugal. Half of the year was spent preparing for the move and a few months working out how we would return.
Well, here I am. Back in the same country, but somehow, things feel different. For some, it probably looked like I had a very long summer away, but for me, it felt like a long journey condensed into a few months.
The circumstances led me to find new paths and walks, changing how I looked at familiar people and places.
I realised that it didn’t matter where I lived, I was still the same person, and it was up to me to accomplish what I wanted regardless of where I was.
Soo… after years of contemplating, I finally started a Masters in Psychosexual Therapy (or Sex Therapy), and it's been amazing! From the people I have met to the things I have been learning! Sex is an important aspect of everyone’s lives, even for those who are not doing it. Some like it and some don’t. Both are fine.
Personally, I have continued practising self-care by limiting what I watch and read. I have taken ownership of my time and allowed myself to do nothing, which I sometimes find very hard.
For the next year, I want to take it to the next level and be mindful of what I bring to my life – from material to emotional stuff.
Whatever your year has been like, whether your mental health is suffering, and you have experienced anxiety, depression or perhaps life changes that were out of your control, I hope the next one is better, and you feel better too. I hope you learn how to love yourself, recognise the amazing things that make up who you are, and that the other not-so-amazing you’re made of is ok too. All of it is part of who you are, none of us is perfect, and that’s ok.
On that note, here’s one of my favourite quotes by L.R. Knost (follow her page for the most inspirational vibes).
“Life is amazing. And then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it's ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That's just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it's breathtak
Take care of yourself, always.
Rose
Hello! I am a qualified counsellor offering online counselling to individuals and couples. If you want to learn more about me and my work, have a look at my website. I would love to hear from you!
PS here's a picture of me in one of my favourite places.